First my teeth started hurting. When my dentist could find nothing wrong, I went to my doctor. By then, little pimple-like bumps had formed above my lip and started spreading up my face. It didn’t take long for the doctor to diagnose me with shingles. At 42 years old, I have to tell you it was a bit of a shock. I have since learned that it can happen to people of all ages.

What is shingles?

Shingles (or herpes zoster) is a painful, blistering skin rash that is caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox. If you have ever had chicken pox, you have the potential to develop shingles. Long after your chicken pox heals, the virus lays sleeping in your nerves. Researchers are not exactly sure what triggers its wake-up call. We do know that people with a weakened immune system and people over 60 years of age are at a greater risk.

What are the symptoms?

Shingles usually occur as a rash on the torso, running from the spine around to the chest or stomach. But not always. Mine showed up on my face. It can occur anywhere on your body though. The rash works its way down the path of a particular nerve, usually on only one side of the body. If on the face, it can involve the eye and potentially cause permanent vision damage. Shingles occurring near the eye will probably involve visiting an ophthalmologist.

Then there is the pain. Mine was a mild case and it still hurt like nobody’s business. It itched, it burned, it tingled, it pulsed, it just plain hurt. It was as if the nerves were doing everything a nerve can do—all at once.

How is it treated?

Doctors often prescribe antiviral drugs, which work best if used within 72 hours after the burning and pain starts. Antiviral medicine can help shorten the suffering and help prevent complications. Strong anti-inflammatory medicine, or corticosteroids, may help with swelling and pain. Antihistamines may help with itching. Some find relief with pain medicines and creams.

The shingles vaccine –

The shingles vaccine is called Zostavax and is recommended for those 60 years or older. According to James Watson M.D. of the Mayo Clinic, it is not recommended for people with chronic diseases or those who take chronic medications that weaken the immune system. For those with Medicare coverage, Medicare.gov reports that Medicare Part D should cover the vaccination. Getting the shingles vaccine doesn’t guarantee that you won’t get shingles, however, clinical trials have shown that it does reduce the chances of developing shingles by half. After suffering shingles myself, I encouraged my own mother to get the vaccine. Even if it’s only a 50% chance to avoid shingles, it is very worth the cost and effort.